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Norman J. 'Opi' Cartmill Chicopee, MA Marion, MA Bourne, MA Buzzards Bay, MA QCWA # 5022 |
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Norman Cartmill, born June 12, 1918, passed away on January 28, 2019 after a brief illness. For 70 years, he was the beloved husband of Doris Cartmill who predeceased him. He leaves his son David Cartmill and daughter in law Dianne Cartmill of Buzzards Bay with whom he lived for several years prior to his passing, son Daniel Cartmill and wife Kathleen of Eliot, ME, grandson Matthew Cartmill and his wife Caroline Cartmill of Plymouth, MA, granddaughter Meredith Cartmill Boyar and her husband Damian Boyar of Bourne, MA, grandsons Adam Cartmill, Eliot ME, and Kyle Cartmill, San Diego, CA, along with great grandchildren Calvin, Ember, Maya, Neve, Holland, Sam and Abram Norman was born in Chicopee, MA to Ruth and James Cartmill.
He married Doris on October 20, 1943 when he was stationed briefly at US Naval Base, San Diego, CA before being deployed to the Pacific Theater.
He achieved the rank of Petty Officer. His ship was part of the first convoy to enter Tokyo Harbor after the atomic bomb forced the surrender of the enemy forces.
After the war he and Doris bought some land on a hill in South Hadley MA, overlooking acres of pasture and a brook. Together, they built their home and lived happily with their sons for many years.
When opportunity for advancement came, the family moved to Marion, MA. They continued to live there for many years. Norman and Doris spent their days at beautiful Silvershell Beach, sailing on Sippican Harbor, and entertaining friends and family at their home.
Norman was CEO of several corporations including Revere Copper and Brass in New Bedford.
Never one to rest on his laurels, he continued his education by commuting to college at night, after work, most notably at Northeastern University where he was awarded two Masters degrees including his MBA. He was also an adjunct professor at the school, was awarded a professorial Chair and was recognized over the years for his contributions to the university. He stressed the value of education to his sons and their families and was generous in his support of their efforts.
He also gave of his time, serving on many volunteer and elective boards, including the Congregational Church in Marion, where he also taught Sunday School. He was an elected member of the School Board, and was instrumental in the formation of the Dollars for Scholars program, which raised money for deserving college bound Marion students. He also served multiple terms as an official with the United Way of Greater New Bedford.
On his retirement, "Opi" as he came to be called by his beloved family, sold his O'Day sloop and bought a Sunfish. He spent many a day on that Sunfish, plying the waters of Sippican Harbor.
When not at home, he and Doris loved to travel to Europe, North Africa, Russia, Scandinavia, China and the Caribbean.
In addition to the patriotic significance, Fourth of July was a special day for them. David, Dianne and the kids would come to Marion for the day for a cookout, a walk to the beach at dusk to marvel at the beautiful town fireworks display.
Norman had a full, happy and rewarding life. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Reverend Sue Lederhouse, Pastor of St. Peters Episcopal Church-on-the-Canal will commit Norman to his Lord and Savior at a private ceremony, with military honors, on a future date, at the National Cemetery in Bourne.
Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home 508-759-3511.